THE ENDS REQUIRE THE MEANS
 

Chapter 11 – Aftermath

On Friday Brian, Justin, Melanie, Lindsay, and Melanie’s attorney, Larry Jacobs all reconvened in Mr. Gabriel’s office. Mr. Gabriel had thoroughly reviewed the custody paperwork and had fine-tuned it to meet his client’s needs to the max. Despite the congenial nature that everyone had in lieu of the recent events, Brian wanted all his rights to Gus clearly enumerated, and in turn, Justin’s guardianship rights also clearly illustrated, as well.

After a few discussions that were probably the most civil that Melanie had ever had regarding Brian’s involvement with Gus, the paperwork was ready to be signed. Both attorneys and clients felt the agreement was fair and equitable. When Lindsay was in Pittsburgh she would also participate in the joint custody agreement.

Melanie signed the paperwork first with a nod from Larry assuring her that it was all in order. Then Brian and Justin followed suit. Finally it was Lindsay’s turn to complete the deal. She looked at the paperwork that would now seal her plans for the future. Was this really what she wanted? How could her desire to be a wife and mother first, have changed? That’s when reality hit. Her desires and passions hadn’t changed, but for the first time in her life she had the nerve to admit what she truly wanted.

She knew she wasn’t in Justin’s league as an artist. But then again, her specialty was watercolors and pastels. Her focus was different than Justin’s and always would be. Was she being selfish leaving her son behind? She looked at Justin then Melanie and finally Brian. No, she wasn’t being selfish…in fact for the first time in her adult life she was being honest and doing what was truly best for everyone, including her son. She took the proffered pen and signed the paperwork, completing the case.

Mr. Gabriel took the documents. “With your permission councilor, I’ll have my assistant file these immediately.”

“Everything seems in order. I think all the parties will benefit from expedited action at this point.”

Mr. Gabriel turned to Brian. “That was quite a story I heard this week. You’ve been playing a game of cat and mouse, but, as always, Brian, it looks like you snared the cat and declawed him in the process.”

“Well, Harold, if there’s one thing that I’ve learned, when you actually have a family to be proud of, you have to protect them and their interests at all costs, and still keep your integrity.”

“Talking about integrity with an ad executive is quite a stretch,” Mr. Gabriel smirked.

“Almost as big a stretch as talking to an attorney about compromise,” as Brian returned the look.

“Well, Brian, it seems that you may really be that crazy Rage that your likeness would assume. Not only do you come through for your son, you also defeat an unscrupulous lawyer, send him on the way to disbarment and demonstrate to the community how an upstanding citizen handles an unconscionable situation.”

Justin started coughing and Melanie couldn’t help herself. “Oh shit, when Brian becomes an example of an upstanding role model for the community I really may have to eat my hat.” While Melanie thought of a few other choice words to say, respect for the law offices and professionals she was with harnessed her tongue.

Brian tilted his head. “Well start chewing. Have you seen the early edition of the paper?”

“No, what does it say?”

Mr. Gabriel smiled knowingly as Justin handed the paper that was stored in his messenger bag to Melanie.

“Well, fuck me…oh excuse me.”

The headline on the paper read, ‘Crooked Attorney Arrested – Disbarment Proceedings Underway - Thanks to Pillar of Pittsburgh Community’.

“Well now I’ve seen everything.”

“See Mel,” Lindsay chimed in with a slightly wicked smile. “I knew how to pick a great father for our son.”

 

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
 

Melanie decided not to pursue a civil suit against Brandon Connelly. She wasn’t proud of the fact that she’d been duped by a colleague and was just as happy to leave the experience behind her as soon as she could.

It was less than four weeks later when Brian, Justin and Gus took Lindsay to the airport. They felt it was important for Gus to see that his mother wasn’t abandoning him so they compared her ‘extended trip’ to Justin’s experience in New York three years earlier.

“Mommy, does this mean that you’ll be happy now?”

“Yes, lambskin, I think I finally will be.” Lindsay hugged Gus tightly and although she tried to stay composed she began to cry. “You know I’ll miss you a whole bunch.”

“Yeah,” Gus nodded, “Daddy said that we’ll get to visit you a lot because Justin’s a big shit in the art world.”

“Brian!”

“What can I say, Linds, the kid has a fu…a great memory for details and quotes.”

The announcement for Lindsay’s flight came over the speaker system and she hugged everyone one more time. It was obvious how ambivalent she was feeling about leaving all of them, especially Gus.

Suddenly, from behind her a voice said confidently, “Hey, lady, isn’t this the flight you’ve been postponing for over a decade?”

She turned to find Sam standing behind her. Dumbfounded she just stared.

“I heard that you were showing signs of separation anxiety and insecurity, so I thought I’d make sure you remembered that you’re a fucking gifted artist that has to give herself, and me, a chance.”

Lindsay turned and hugged Sam tightly. She looked at Brian. “Thank you; this is just what I needed.”

“What a surprise,” he deadpanned.

Gus looked up at Sam. “Are you going to take care of my mom?”

“You bet your…”

“Sam!”

“You bet, kid. I’ll take really good care of her and make sure she calls you regularly.”

“That’s good, thank you.” Then Gus turned to Brian. “Okay, Daddy, now we can go home so Mommy can be happy.”

As Brian, Justin and Gus left the airport with the two men each taking one of Gus’ hands he looked at Brian. “Daddy.”

“Yes, Sonny Boy?”

“Do I get to call Justin my dad now, too?”

Justin looked at Brian questioningly.

“Well, Sonny Boy, I think that’s between you and Justin.”

“So you wouldn’t feel bad if I had another Daddy?”

“Not at all. I think kids like you with two moms and two dads are luckier than most.”

“Yeah, all those extra presents at Christmas and on my birthday, and all the extra hugs that go with them.”

Then Gus turned to Justin. “Do you want me to call you ‘Dad’?”

Justin swallowed the lump that seemed to form in his throat and tried to keep his emotions in check. “If you’d like to call me Dad, I’d be very proud to hold that special title.”

“Cool. I can’t wait to tell the kids at school that now I have two moms AND two dads. That’s more than any of them have.”

Brian and Justin looked at each other over Gus’ head. Brian quirked his lip in a small smile, “Welcome to the family, Dad.”

Justin’s smile reflected the sun beautifully.
 

Return to The Ends Require the Means